Legislated smoking ban for Bermuda Hospitals Board facilities

No smoking will be allowed anywhere on the grounds of the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital (KEMH) or the Lamb Foggo Urgent Care Centre. Starting Monday 1 August 2016 it will be an offence to smoke anywhere on these properties.

The Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB) is collaborating with the Ministry of Health and Seniors to institute the ban in compliance with the Tobacco Control Act 2015. The Act mandates that no smoking will be allowed inside or outside health facilities. It also stipulates that cigarette, cigarette products and smokeless tobacco cannot be sold in health facilities.

Patients, visitors and staff will all be bound by the Act.
BHB will erect no smoking signage and hospital security staff will take appropriate action with violators.

“As healthcare professionals we are well aware of the risks associated with smoking,” said KEMH Chief Operating Officer Scott Pearman. “We also recognise that the change will prove a major adjustment for many smokers, but believe all will understand that it is entirely the right action to take. At BHB part of our vision is to build healthy communities. This is another step in that direction ”

Visiting the Lamb Foggo Urgent Care Centre and KEMH Emergency Department

Cup Match hours

24 July 2016: Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB) wishes the public a happy and safe holiday weekend. However, if medical care is required, the Lamb Foggo Urgent Care Centre (UCC) in St David’s will be open from 4pm to midnight on Thursday and Friday, and from noon to midnight on Saturday and Sunday.

Please note that if your condition is serious, you should go straight to the Emergency Department of King Edward VII Memorial Hospital (KEMH). There are very limited diagnostic imaging (x-ray) and laboratory testing capabilities at the UCC.

The UCC offers services to assess and treat minor illnesses or injuries that need immediate attention, but are in no way life threatening and are not likely to need surgery or sophisticated diagnostic equipment. This includes sprains, strains, scrapes, cuts, coughs, colds, earaches, bumps and bruises.

The UCC is open every weekday from 4pm to midnight. Regular Saturday and Sunday hours are from noon to midnight.

BHB also reminds the public that KEMH Emergency Department physicians see and treat patients based on the seriousness of their conditions, not in order of arrival. Emergency Department staff will tell you your level and expected wait time when you arrive.

Below are the approximate wait times for each level of severity:
Level 1: [Immediate]
Level 2: 10 to 15 minutes
Level 3: 30 to 45 minutes
Level 4: 1 to 2 hours
Level 5: 2 hours or more

If you need to contact the UCC, call 298-7700. To contact the KEMH Emergency Department, call 239-2009.

Agape House has reopened

Bermuda Hospitals Board is advising the public that renovations to Agape House have been completed and patients are now back in rooms there.
In February the hospice’s operations temporarily moved inside the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital (KEMH) so that repairs; including electrical, plumbing and flooring upgrades, could be undertaken.

All patients were relocated to the renovated building on Thursday 21 July.

Those visiting loved ones housed at Agape House should note that the services have resumed operations from the original location – overlooking the General Wing of KEMH.

Bermuda Hospital Board awards certificates to three culinary students

Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB) is happy to announce the successful completion of its first culinary internship by three Bermuda College students; Jai-Onni Outerbridge, Farah Ming and Chioma Lawrence.

The program began this year after BHB Hotel Services Manager Jerome Swainson and Food Services Manager Lynn Fubler learned that as part of their training, Bermuda College culinary students were placed in various hotel and restaurants on-island.

Liaising with BHB’s Human Resources Department and the Bermuda College, an internship program was quickly established. Students had to apply for placement and this year three were selected.

“A rotational schedule was designed and implemented to give the students maximum exposure to patient and staff meal preparation and service,” said Mr Swainson. “I am very pleased to have been a part of the development of this program and look forward to great things to come in the future. The students represented themselves very well and we look forward our continued relationship producing a pool of trained Bermudian chefs in the culinary arts.”

We consider it a privilege to have assisted in the development of our future local chefs Jai-Onni, Farah and Chioma,” said BHB Assistant Food Services Manager Carol Gift. “They have challenged us to stretch our imagination just a little bit more, in ways that we normally would not have considered,” she added.

“It’s gratifying to see Bermudians cultivating their interest in this field,” said King Edward VII Memorial Hospital Chief Operating Officer Scott Pearman. “This will certainly strengthen our ability to provide greater meal selection choice in the future and could well position us such that people look forward to hospital stays because of the great meals they get.

“I am pleased on behalf of the Bermuda Hospitals Board to announce that we have awarded Jai-Onni, Farah and Chioma certificates of completion for the 12-week internship programme.

“I am also pleased to have enjoyed some of the light refreshments they prepared for today’s reception and look forward to Friday when they will be joined by their fellow Bermuda College classmates and take over our staff cafeteria. They’ve already provided us with a mouth-watering menu for that occasion.”

BHB Releases CEO Salary Data

Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB) Chairman Peter Everson said: “On 16 May 2016, Bermuda Hospitals Board publicly disclosed the chief executive officer’s annual salary for the previous five fiscal years through FY2015/16. This information is available on the BHB website at www.bdahospitaldev.wpengine.com.

“Today we provide the basic pay plus incentives for the chief executive officer position for the two years prior to the period already disclosed:
FY2009/10: $441,000
FY2010/11: $474,000”

BHB Releases 2012 Annual Report

Bermuda Hospitals Board today announces the publication of its 2012 Annual Report. The Report was delayed by a review, called for by the Auditor General in 2013, into the financial statements of 2011-12. An unqualified audit has been achieved for the year.

Peter Everson, Chairman of the Board, comments: “On behalf of the Board, I am pleased we have been able to complete our financial obligations for the 2011-12 fiscal year and publish the Annual Report. We have, as promised, included salary data in the Annual Report, although salary data from 2011-12 up to 2015-16 was publicly released earlier this year.

“2011-12 was a financially difficult year for BHB although much was achieved, including a successful accreditation, quality improvements and new specialties being offered. BHB was under the stewardship of a different CEO, Chairman and Board, and it was the first year that BHB felt the serious effects of Bermuda’s economic downturn.

“Efficiency measures prior to this year were being implemented as part of BHB’s preparation to meet the financial obligations of the new Acute Care Wing (ACW) once it was completed in 2014. The original plan was to pay for the new ACW through a 1% fee rise above inflation plus a 1% efficiency saving within BHB per year for a period of five years. The inflation plus 1% fee rises could not be met due to the economic climate, and the focus became on making savings so that we could meet our obligations without hurting the Bermuda economy.

“On top of a low fee rise in 2011-12, BHB had to manage a write off of Government debt of about $17 million and revenue restrictions imposed by memoranda of understanding with local insurers that lost us about $20 million in revenue. These were required restrictions due to the financial struggles of Bermuda, as they helped control escalating healthcare costs that no one on the island could afford.

“The story of how the previous and current boards began to turn the tide so that we could afford the ACW payments – as has been achieved in the fiscal year 2015-16 – will be covered in subsequent annual reports, although regular updates from BHB have described the budgetary constraints and Modernization Project, which saw a number of major efficiency projects completed.

“For 2011-12, we saw a slip from a surplus to a loss and the challenge became about continuing to improve quality while cutting costs.

“While we are obviously disappointed to be behind on our reporting, the delay was initially caused by a review of the 2011-12 financial statement. The Board made a summary of the Auditor General’s review of 2011-12 available in October 2013, and diligently implemented recommendations to strengthen due process and governance while finalising the auditing process. We are very pleased that our financial statements for this year are unqualified, and recognise that we must continue to maintain and improve our standards to ensure the next few years can be worked through as efficiently as possible so the audited financials can be presented to the public.”

Venetta Symonds, BHB CEO, comments: “I am very pleased to see this annual report released. It represents the first step towards getting all our financial reporting obligations up to date. Despite BHB feeling the harsh realities of the economic downturn, it was an important year where we achieved hospital-wide accreditation, made improvements to medication management, introduced cutting-edge screening for cervical cancer, and completed the ward renovation project in the General Wing. A new CT scanner went live, thanks to a generous donation from the Hospitals Auxiliary of Bermuda. Construction of the new Acute Care Wing continued, and work started in earnest to prepare for the safe transition of services once it was completed.

“The story of the year perhaps was the impact of the economy, but within BHB the story became about the heart and passion of our staff, who sought every way to cut costs while ensuring the services they provided kept pace with continually changing international quality and safety practices. Like an actual storm, BHB does not have the luxury of ceasing or restricting services no matter what the challenges, and our accreditation process requires us to continually improve. When people are hurt or unwell and need care, our doors must be open, and this remains our commitment to care for our community.”

Click here for the full 2012 Annual Report (PDF).

Former Emergency Department entrance closed Wednesday – Sunday

Bermuda Hospitals Board is advising the public that the old Emergency Department entrance of the General Wing will be closed today, Wednesday 6 July through to Sunday 10 July. The entrance will reopen on Monday 11 July at 6am.

Members of the public should use the main entrance of the General Wing (lobby entrance) to access the General Wing of King Edward VII Memorial Hospital. The General Wing can also be accessed via the Acute Care Wing.

Clear signage has been be posted.

Bermuda Hospitals Board apologises for any inconvenience this may cause.

244 Pints Celebrated as Blood Donors Retire

Bermuda Hospitals Board today recognised six individuals who have collectively donated a total of 244 pints of blood, but who are now having to retire from donating.

Dr Eyitayo Fakunle, Consultant Haematologist, comments: “We want to thank six dedicated blood donors today who have collectively donated 244 pints of blood. People may not realise that there is a retirement age for blood donors, which means we lose valuable and dedicated donors every year. The people we are recognising today have come regularly over many years and even decades. They have saved so many lives, and made many more better as donations are used to help people manage conditions such as sickle cell anaemia and cancer, as well as life or death situations.

“We now need new donors to donate blood. Bermuda’s blood supplies are made up of 100% voluntary donations from residents. We do not import blood. The lives of all of us in Bermuda are in the hands of a very select group of about 1,000 giving, caring and dedicated donors. It is like a lake that we all rely on – if it is not replenished, our local blood supplies will dry up, putting us all at risk. As six individuals step down today, we need the next generation to put their hands up and share a gift only they can give. It may be your loved one, your friend or even you who needs blood next. It only takes about 30 minutes to donate, but those 30 minutes, for someone on our island, could mean the difference between life and death.”

The celebrated donors are:

• Michael Tucker: 30 donations over 11 years
• Virginia Olander: 21 donations over 8 years
• Edward Wicks: 15 donations over five years
• Alfred John Wright: 92 donations over 18 years
• Dr. James Burnett-Herkes: 50 donations over 33 years
• Veronica Chameau: 36 donations over 16 years

Pictured are (left to right): Lucy Correira, Blood Donor Nurse; Venetta Symonds, BHB CEO; Veronica Chameau, Retiring Blood Donor; Dr Clyde Wilson, Chief of Pathology; Alfred John Wright, Retiring Blood Donor; Dr Eyitayo Fakunle, Constultant Haematologist; and Kathy Stephens, Manager Pathology.

Link 1: Alfred John Wright Interview

Link 1: Veronica Chameau Interview

Bermuda Police Service Win Corporate Blood Drive 2016

Bermuda Hospitals Board (“BHB”) and the Ministry of Health and Seniors is pleased to announce today that the Bermuda Police Service, is the winner of the Corporate Blood Drive 2015/16. The announcement is being made today as it is World Blood Donor Day.

This is the third Corporate Blood Drive that has taken place, and the Bermuda Police Service has been awarded the revolving trophy and a certificate to thank them for their commitment to saving lives and caring for those with therapeutic transfusion needs, such as sickle cell and cancer patients.

This year there were fourteen contestants: AIG, Ariel Re, Aon Group (Bermuda), The Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son Ltd., Butterfield & Vallis, Bermuda Government Department of Corrections, Bermuda Government Department of Accountant General, Bermuda Government -H. M. Customs, Bermuda Police Service, FIL Limited, Kitson Group of Companies, Validus Services, XL Catlin, and Zurich Bermuda

Minister of Health and Seniors, The Hon. Jeanne Atherden JP, MP, comments: “Bermuda relies 100% on local, voluntary donations so it is heartening to see our businesses supporting this competition. I hope more sign up next year. It helps build morale and camaraderie as employees donate, but more than that, it saves lives. Organisations can make a huge impact in the community, just by encouraging and supporting their employees’ decision to donate. I especially urge more people under the age of 25 to donate…it only takes half an hour but your donation can improve or save someone’s life.”

Dr. Clyde Wilson, BHB Chief of Pathology comments: “We would like to thank all the companies who were involved in the Corporate Blood Drive 2015/16. Their support and encouragement is so important. It could be any one of us whose life needs saving or healing. A complication in childbirth or surgery, an accident, or an illness such as cancer. There are so many people a blood donor helps and organisations who support their employee donors demonstrate great community commitment. It couldn’t be easier for company sign up for the 2016/17 competition – just call or email the Blood Donor Centre at blood.donor@bhb.bm or 236-5067 and we’ll send you the form.”

Superintendent James Howard, Bermuda Police Service, comments: “”We are very pleased to win the Corporate Blood Drive 2015/16 and proud of our staff and their families who put the lives of those in our community first by giving blood. The police see many of the victims of accidents and violence whose lives are eventually saved by blood transfusions as part of our work. But on any given day it could also be one of our family members, friends, colleagues or even ourselves who may need that life-saving transfusion. We were very proud and motivated to take part in the competition and we are encouraging other organizations to sign up next year to push it even higher.”

BHB releases salary data

Bermuda Hospitals Board today releases compensation data for its employees.

Chairman, Mr Peter Everson, comments: “According to the Bermuda Hospitals Act 1970, ‘the scales of salaries and wages paid to officers and servants of the Board’ should be released as part of our annual financial statements and, since 2013, it has been the publicly stated intent of the Board to publish compensation information in our annual reports. However, due to a delay in the audit process beyond the control of BHB, this information has not yet been released. While we expect the 2011/12 Annual Report to be published shortly, this still leaves us some years behind and so 2011/12 data no longer accurately reflects current salaries. This issue has been deliberated on by the Board and, in the interests of public accountability and transparency, we have decided that updated salary information for all completed fiscal years should be shared, although noting that after 2011/12 this information is unaudited. So that BHB is consistent with similar released information from other quangos, such as the Bermuda Monetary Authority and Bermuda Tourism Authority, we are including the CEO salary as part of this release of information. Going forward, employee compensation information will be released in this format with our audited financial statements.

“On reviewing this data, I am pleased to note a general trend downwards in the highest salary bands for Executives and Physicians, which reflects a fair and consistent approach to setting compensation. For physicians the reduction, in large part, related to implementing recommendations from the Towers Watson Physician Compensation review – the summary of which was released to the public in 2013, as well as certain physician specialties returning to private practice. In the Executive group, a leaner Executive Team has been established to streamline BHB from the very top. Over the last four years four senior positions have been made redundant. BHB’s employees on lower salaries have seen some increase. Members of the Board, meanwhile, are unpaid volunteers and receive a stipend for attending meetings at the rate set by the Government of $50 per meeting. They do not receive any benefits or other forms of compensation.”

Mr Everson concludes: “On behalf of the Board, I am certainly pleased that this information is now being shared. It must be remembered that BHB is a large and complex organisation, spending about $300 million a year in delivering acute medical and psychiatric services and a range of primary and secondary care services for the community, including learning disabled and long term care. While the focus on this data is very much about the cost of the workforce, I do not want to lose sight of the value of the people who work every day, day and night, to care for us when we are in need. I would like to thank them on behalf of the Board for their tireless commitment and caring for those in need.”

The following notes provide background to the figures:

• Total costs show the cost of positions to BHB and include salary, performance pay and housing allowance (where applicable), current year’s movement in leave pay provision, social insurance payments, pay roll tax and pension deductions.

• The top range total cost in the Executive group declined from $703,400 to $504,200 (down 28.3%) comparing 2011/12 to 2015/16 and the total cost of the CEO position has declined over the same period from $703,356 to $504,179 (down 28.3%).

• Over the same time span, the top range total cost for physicians has declined from $1,788,700 to $742,500 (down 58.5%).

• BHB’s total compensation costs have been listed in publicly released unaudited financial data since 2013. This figure includes the costs of casual and temporary staff, which is not reflected in figures released today. In 2015/16 unaudited financial, Total Salaries and Employee Benefits were $185 million, $3 million less than in 2011/12 when the figure was $188 million (a reduction of 1.6%).

• There has been a freeze on Executive salaries and there has been no performance-based pay since 2011/12. In the last independent review of Executive compensation in March 2014 by Sullivan and Cotter, BHB Executive salaries were below benchmarks (the benchmark uses US, Canada and the UK as references and aims for the 50th percentile).

• Perceived changes in the Executive group salary ranges in each fiscal year in the attached figures generally relate to changes in personnel or redundancies. The following list identifies positions where two or more people held a position over the 2011/12 to 2014/15 time period, and/or whether a position was added or made redundant during that time:
o CEO (2)
o Chief of Staff (3)
o CFO (2)
o Chief of HR (2 – position made redundant in 2014/15)
o Chief Information Officer (position made redundant in 2014/15)
o Chief Performance Officer (position added then made redundant in 2012/13)
o General Counsel (position added in 2011/12)

• From time to time during the period under review certain positions have been held where the contract is not with a BHB employed individual, but with a company. Positions impacted over the time period 2011/12 to 2015/16 include the Chief of HR, Chief of Staff, Chief Performance Officer and Chief Financial Officer. The costs of these contracts are included in the total cost data.

Attachment 1: Download full media release and salary data